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Top Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

The summer months are typically packed full of activity for most Charlotte residents. However, with the chance for temperatures to rise into the high 70s and 80s, it’s important that seniors and their loved ones have the proper tools in place to prevent overheating this summer. Whether you dedicate much of your free time to enjoying the great outdoors or you’re simply preparing for a weekend barbecue, proper sun and heat protection is something you should never go without. With the proper precautions, seniors can greatly reduce their risk of battling several heat-related illnesses.

Your body is always working hard to regulate your internal temperature and keep you comfortable. During the summer months, excessive heat forces the body to work overtime and without proper sun care, you could force your body to work beyond its limits. For seniors, this can be especially dangerous. As you age, you need to take special care to avoid sunburns, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. So, before you head out on your next outdoor, summer adventure, be sure to follow a few heat safety tips from The Cypress of Charlotte community

7 Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

Stay Hydrated

If there’s one thing to focus on this summer while you’re out and enjoying Charlotte, it should be drinking plenty of water. Seniors are much more likely to experience dehydration than other adults, so it’s a good idea to set reminders to make sure you are drinking lots of water each day. Try investing in a water bottle that helps to highlight your daily intake or an app on your smartphone that will help keep you on track with your goals.

Protect Your Skin

You should never leave the house in the summer without applying sunscreen. Putting on a good layer of sunscreen doesn’t take a lot of time and can really save you from suffering from a nasty sunburn later. If you know you’ll be outside for a prolonged period, make sure you’re bringing extra sunscreen with you as well. You can also wear a hat to help limit the amount of sun exposure on your face and neck.

Limit Exercise/Strenuous Activity

Your body is already working hard to keep things cool in the summer, so the addition of any strenuous activity can result in a number of heat-related health issues. If you do exercise regularly, make sure you’re getting in your workout in the early morning hours or late in the evenings. Also, if you must work outdoors, be sure to take lots of breaks to prevent overheating.

Stay in Touch

With summer temperatures soaring, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’ve got clear lines of communication open with friends, family and neighbors . Seniors should always let their friends and family know if they’re planning to spend an extended period outdoors in the summer, even if it’s just a few hours of gardening or running errands.

Keep It Shady

Vision problems are very common among seniors and prolonged sun exposure can irritate the eyes. To prevent sun damage, seniors should wear sunglasses whenever they are outdoors or driving. Sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and should even be worn when sporting a hat or sun visor to preserve your vision.

Beware of Your Hyperthermia Risk

Abnormally high body temperatures in the summer can result in a condition known as hyperthermia. In advanced stages, hyperthermia can result in heat stroke, so it’s important for seniors to be aware of common symptoms related to the condition, including:

– Headache

– Nausea and vomiting

– A body temperature greater than 104 degrees

– Heavy breathing and/or rapid pulse

– Fainting

– Dry, flushed skin

– Behavioral changes (acting confused or agitated)

– Lack of sweating despite high temps

Invest in Bug Spray

Bug bites in the summer can certainly be annoying but in some cases, they come with their own health consequences as well. Seniors are especially prone to West Nile Virus and other diseases carried by mosquitoes. So, if you spend lots of time outdoors, you need a good bug spray to keep the critters at bay. Use mosquito repellent whenever you head outside to help reduce your risk of getting bitten.

Enjoy a Safe and Happy Summer in Charlotte

With so many great things to see and do in Charlotte, it’s no wonder so many seniors love calling our continuing care retirement community home. And if you follow our simple summer safety tips, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to enjoy a fun-filled summer season with your loved ones. Interested in more great health and lifestyle tips for seniors? Be sure to check out our other blog posts and visit our friendly team online today for more information about life here at The Cypress of Charlotte.

Get Directions

Our Charlotte retirement homes and community are conveniently located in the South Park area. Plan a visit to see our award winning continuing care retirement community (CCRC) and meet our friendly staff. You will see why the Cypress of Charlotte is a unique community when compared to other retirement communities in this area.